Teller-assisted, customer-operated ATM check cashing system

Abstract

A system of cashing checks which utilizes a customer-operated, automatic teller machine (ATM) in cooperation with a teller at a teller station. A document transport within the ATM is used to deliver the check and identification media to the teller. Data entered by the customer and MICR data read from the check are used to access stored data which is displayed at the teller station to assist the teller in evaluating the customer and the negotiability of the check. Upon a satisfactory evaluation, the teller actuates a function key at the teller station which enables the ATM to dispense the currency to the customer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A check cashing system comprising: a machine for performing financial transactions including the dispensing of cash; said machine having means for identifying a user of said machine, means for entering data about a check to be cashed, and means for receiving documents including a check to be cashed;   a teller station;   transport means for transporting documents including a check received at said receiving means to said teller station;   evaluating means at said teller station to assist a teller at said teller station in evaluating said check and said user; said evaluating means including a display and a keyboard including function keys thereon; and   means for coupling said machine with said evaluating means to enable data entered at said machine to be displayed at said display and to initiate the dispensing of cash from said machine in response to an actuation of a selected one of said function keys upon a satisfactory evaluation of said check and said user.   
     
     
       2. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said system also includes means for reading data from a check to be cashed and means for coupling said reading means with said display at said teller station to enable data read from said check by said reading means to be displayed at said display at said teller station. 
     
     
       3. The system as claimed in claim 2 in which said transport means is located in said machine. 
     
     
       4. The system as claimed in claim 3 in which said reading means is located within said machine and cooperates with said transport means to read said data from a check to be cashed. 
     
     
       5. The system as claimed in claim 4 in which said evaluating means also includes a one-way mirror positioned between said machine and said teller station to enable said teller at said teller station to view a said user at said machine. 
     
     
       6. The system as claimed in claim 4 in which said machine includes a currency dispenser for dispensing the currency amount of a check being cashed, and said system also includes a coin dispenser for dispensing coins at said machine for the coin amount, if any, of a said check being cashed.   
     
     
       7. The system as claimed in claim 6 in which said transport means include reversible drives to enable said documents including a check received at said teller station to be returned to said user at said receiving means in response to an actuation of a second selected one of said function keys upon an unsatisfactory evaluation of said check and said user. 
     
     
       8. The system as claimed in claim 7 in which said teller station also includes a printer for printing on a said check at least some of said data entered at said machine including the monetary amount of the check to be cashed. 
     
     
       9. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said system also includes means for storing data associated with users of said system and means for coupling said storing means with said machine and said evaluating means; said system also including means for reading data from a check to be cashed so as to enable data associated with the drawer of said check to be cashed to be accessed from said storing means and also to be displayed at said display at said teller station.   
     
     
       10. The system as claimed in claim 9 in which said transport means is located in said machine and in which said reading means is located within said machine and cooperates with said transport means to read said data from a check to be cashed. 
     
     
       11. The system as claimed in claim 10 in which said machine includes a currency dispenser for dispensing the currency amount of a check being cashed, and said system also includes a coin dispenser for dispensing coins at said machine for the coin amount, if any, of a said check being cashed.   
     
     
       12. The system as claimed in claim 11 in which said transport means include reversible drives to enable said documents including a check received at said teller station to be returned to said user at said receiving means in response to an actuation of a second selected one of said function keys upon an unsatisfactory evaluation of said check and said user. 
     
     
       13. The system as claimed in claim 4 in which said evaluating means also includes a one-way mirror positioned between said machine and said teller station to enable said teller at said teller station to view a said user at said machine.